he was mentioned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was mentioned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone being referenced or talked about in a conversation, text, or document. Example: "During the meeting, he was mentioned as a key contributor to the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was mentioned in dispatches.

The Guardian

He was mentioned in Liz Smith's Newsday column.

The New York Times - Arts

He was mentioned twice in dispatches for valour and courage.

The Guardian

He was mentioned in newspaper articles as Uganda's youngest millionaire.

The New York Times

He was mentioned as a possible successor to Mr. Arafat.

The New York Times

He was mentioned in many press accounts and even in a Wikipedia entry on Mr. Khadr.

The New York Times

He was mentioned last year as a candidate to lead the city's school system.

The New York Times

He was mentioned in dispatches twice during that campaign and promoted to major.

The Guardian

He was mentioned in dispatches and awarded the Croix de Guerre.

The Guardian

Once he was mentioned by no name or word at all, just four asterisks.

The New York Times

"I started looking for him on the Internet, and I found a French forum where he was mentioned.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he was mentioned" when you want to indicate that someone was referred to or acknowledged in a conversation, text, or document. It's a neutral and widely understood way to introduce the fact that someone's name or role was brought up.

Common error

While "he was mentioned" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider using active constructions where appropriate, such as "they mentioned him" or "his name came up" to create a more direct and engaging style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was mentioned" functions as a passive construction used to indicate that someone was referred to or acknowledged in a particular context. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable. Examples show it being used in news, encyclopedias and wiki contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

18%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he was mentioned" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate someone's reference or acknowledgment, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's primarily found in news and media outlets and on wikis. While it serves as a neutral way to introduce a reference, writers should be aware of passive voice and consider active alternatives for impactful writing. Related phrases include "he was referred to" and "he was cited". Remember to focus on concise and active language for a better impact on the reader. Overall, it is a correct and usable expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was referred to

Replaces "mentioned" with "referred to", implying a more direct or formal reference.

he was cited

Uses "cited" instead of "mentioned", often implying a formal acknowledgment or quotation.

he was named

Substitutes "mentioned" with "named", suggesting that the person's name was specifically used.

his name came up

Replaces the passive voice with an active construction, focusing on the occurrence of his name.

he featured in

Uses "featured in" indicating a more prominent or significant appearance in something.

he figured in

Substitutes "mentioned" with "figured in", suggesting his involvement or role was acknowledged.

they spoke of him

Emphasizes the act of speaking about him, rather than a simple mention.

he was alluded to

Replaces "mentioned" with "alluded to", implying an indirect reference.

reference was made to him

Uses a more formal and passive construction to express the same idea.

he made an appearance

Indicates a brief or less substantial presence compared to a detailed discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "he was mentioned" in a sentence?

You can use "he was mentioned" to indicate that someone was referred to or acknowledged. For example, "During the meeting, "he was mentioned" as a key contributor."

What can I say instead of "he was mentioned"?

You can use alternatives like "he was referred to", "he was cited", or "he was named" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "he was mentioned" or "they mentioned him"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "they mentioned him" is in the active voice, which often makes your writing more direct and engaging. "He was mentioned" is passive, which can be useful when you want to focus on the person being mentioned rather than the one doing the mentioning.

What does it mean when someone is "mentioned in dispatches"?

To be "mentioned in dispatches" is a British military term indicating that a soldier's name was officially reported for bravery or meritorious service during wartime. It's a formal recognition of their actions.